There’s set to be an overhaul at Manchester City this summer, with a number of big names set to depart. Pablo Zabaleta, Willy Caballero, Gael Clichy, Bacary Sagna and Jesus Navas have already been released, while a number of senior players who spent last season out on loan are expected to join them.
We’ve picked out another five players who are likely to depart City ahead of next season.
Kelechi Iheanacho
Iheanacho had an impressive first season under Manuel Pellegrini, but following the impact of Gabriel Jesus has fallen out of favour with Pep Guardiola. He averages a goal every 104 minutes in his two seasons in the Premier League, but struggled to replace Sergio Aguero when the Argentine was suspended.
The young Nigerian has huge potential, but he looks set to fulfil it away from the Etihad. West Ham are reportedly interested and he’d be assured of much more first team opportunities in East London. It would cost the Hammers approximately £20 million to prise him away though. On top of that, City will likely insert a buyback option on any deal that sees the youngster sold to another Premier League club.
Nolito
Nolito arrived after an impressive Euro 2016 and featured in their opening six games of the season, until a headbutt against Bournemouth earned him a lengthy ban. He didn’t start for City again until 2017 and is expected to return to Spain ahead of next summer’s World Cup. Although his salary expectations could see him leave on loan, before any permanent move is discussed.
Fernando
Guardiola used Fernando sparingly and he seems unlikely to survive this summer’s cull. His game is vastly inferior to teammates Fernandinho, Yaya Toure and Ilkay Gundogan, and with more midfielders likely to arrive, his career at the Etihad could be at an end. He’s a defensive midfielder, accustomed to breaking up play, but his passing range isn’t good enough for Guardiola and he’s struggled in his three seasons in the Premier League.
Fabian Delph
The somewhat forgotten man at the Etihad, Delph has been plagued by injury since arriving acrimoniously from Aston Villa. Despite Guardiola wanting a strong English core to his side, Delph isn’t of the quality that his manager would want. He’s missed the opportunity to re-invent himself as a defender and it’s inevitable that he’ll move on.
Nicolas Otamendi
Otamendi produced his best displays in a City shirt towards the end of last season, but he required Vincent Kompany to be fit. That’s the worry for Guardiola. Now aged 29, Otamendi seems incapable of playing without a senior figure alongside him and he’s struggled to perform the role himself. A central defender is expected to be added to the squad, meaning that Otamendi’s time is numbered. He also can’t afford to be sat on the bench in a World Cup year.
